Molecular evaluation of pumpkin and zucchini genotypes using molecular markers associated with diseases

This study evaluated disease resistance in Cucurbita spp. using specific molecular markers. The authors evaluated 47 accessions of C. moschata and C. pepo in order to identify regions which confer resistance to Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV), Papaya Ringspot Virus Watermelon (PRSV-W), and Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe spp.). Molecular markers were amplified and analyzed according to their references. The presence of the resistance allele to ZYMV was observed in 82.6% of the C. pepo genotypes and 95.8% of the C. moschata genotypes, using SCAR and CAPS markers. In relation to resistance to PRSV-W, 62.5% of the C. pepo genotypes showed the corresponding allele. Regarding powdery mildew, 47.8% of the C. pepo genotypes were classified as resistant, whereas 62.5% of the C. moschata genotypes presented the resistance allele, based on In-Del and CAPS markers. The variations in resistance rates observed between the markers suggested a polygenic genetic control for these diseases. The results found in this study highlighted the importance of an integrative approach to marker selection for a comprehensive analysis of genetic resistance, which is essential for developing more resistant and efficient cultivars and hybrids.